DON’T BORDER SHE IS DEAD

Lesson 8
RULER’s FAITH –
Text :Mt 9:18-26, Mk5:21-24, 35-43

Introduction
Jesus said don’t be afraid, only believe whenever you experience loss of any kind, don’t abandon hope, don’t turn away from the one person who can help you – do what Jairus did. Your hope if found in the resurrected Lord, the one with power over life and death.
Q – Who is this man?
A – Jairus – a ruler of the synagogue
Q – What happened to him?
A – His daughter was sick to death and ultimately died
Q – What did he do?
A – Ran to Jesus
- Worshipped
- Prayed / entreated Jesus
- Made specific faith filled request – spoke
- With faith, death is not final – Mk 5:36. Jesus has the final word – Mk 5:36
LESSONS LEARNT
1. Even leaders have challenges.
2. Even leaders should go to the right source for help
3. It may get worse though you have prayed
4. Delay is not denial
5. Don’t give up – deal with grief by “keeping believing”
6. Faith is nit denial of the obvious, it is recognition of the obvious and disregarded in the face of seen solution Mk 5:23
7. The presence of God (Mk 5:24) to His word Mk 5;36 see us through our worst experinces (Mk 5:36).
M.V. Mk 5:36 “... he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue be not afraid, only
believe.

Lesson 7 - JUST A TOUCH

Faith – TE WOMAN WITH THE ISSUE OF BLOOD
Text : Mk 5 : 25 – 34

Introduction
The story of a certain woman who in a hopeless situation heard of Jesus and took steps of faith that gave her the desired miracle.
THE PROCESS OF FAITH: How Faith Developed
(i) She heard of Jesus vs 27. (ii) She believed what she heard vs 27, Mt. 14:36. (iii) She looked away from her present experience vs 26. (iv) She looked away from her worsening situation Rom. 4:19. (v) She thought it through Josh. 1:8.
STEPS OR ACTIONS OF FAITH
(1) She spoke vs 28 (2) She came vs 27 (3) She defied the crowd vs 27 (4) She touched his garment vs 2 (5) She received her healing Mk 11:29
LESSONS LEARNT
(1) She did not give up – dont give up Heb. 10:35 (2) She did not allow her problems to overwhelm her Heb. 12:2 (3) She disregarded tradition: dont mind the obstacles II Cor. 5:7
Obstacles: crowd, her physical weakness, her unclean state, stench, her poverty, lack of human help II Cor.4:18a (4) She testified to God’s power. Mk5:19.
M.V. Romans 4:18a “Who against hope believed in hope

Study 6....

Study 6...

My Faith By My Works

Lesson 5
Faith – THE HARLOT’s example
Text : Josh. 2:1-24

Introduction
Acting in faith requires absolute obedience from the beginning to the end. Josh. 2:1-25
THE PROCESS: How did faith develop in her?
i. She heard about Jehovah vs 10, 11 ii. She believed what she heard vs 9 iii.She aligned herself with the winning team vs 11b iv.She took action vs 12, 13
HOW DID SHE DEMONSTRATE HER FAITH?
(1) She received the spies vs 1 (2) She disregarded the instruction of the King vs 3 (3) She hid the spies vs 4 (4) She established a covenant relationship with the peeople of God covering her entire household vs 12,13 (5) She risked her life for what she believed vs 16 (6) She gave her all vs16 (7) She obeyed the terms of covenant vs 21
LESSONS LEARNT
(i) Faith comes by hearing and hearing the word of God. (ii) Hearing – process, action – result: the faith process. (iii) The scarlet thread – Total obedience is essential vs 21, Josh 6:25. (iv) Her singular act of faith put her name in Jesus’ lineage and saved her entire household. (v) Her faith produced the desired result.
M.V. Heb. 11:31 “By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed
not when she had received the spies with peace”.

Faith- Not taking “No” for an answer.

Lesson 4; Matthew 15:21-28, Mark 7:24-30
THE SYROPHONICIAN WOMAN – A closer look

She was a gentile – Mt 15:22
She had a problem – Mt 15:22, Mk 7:25
She heard about Jesus – Mk 7:25
She south for a solution – Mk:25 – “She came’ (discuss attitude to problems – unbeliever/christian)
She overcame all oppositions Mk :29, Mt 15:28.
i. Mt 15:23 – She was ignored
ii. Mt 15:23 – She was rejected
iii. Mt 15:24 – She was declared unqualified
iv. Mt 15:26 – She was “insulted”
v. She got her victory – Mk 7:25, Mt 15:28
Lessons from the life of an unbeliever
i. faith cometh by hearing
ii. her faith came by personal revelation
iii. she had a revelation which fuelled her persistence
iv. based on what she believed, she was unstoppable
v. though unqualified, mercy showed up
vi. she worshipped –beginning and end
vii. positive attitude all the way –no discouragement
Mt 15:26, 27 (pls read)... an Xray
- This is not right –throw childrens food to dogs
- Dogs and crumbs
- Crumbs are enough as far as faith is concerned Lk 17:6
M.V Mk7:29, Good answer, he said now go home for the demon has left your
daughter NLT

Faith: SPEAK THE WORD ONLY.

Study 3
Text: Mt 8:5-13, Lk 7: 1-10

CENTURION, an unbeliever..
Q-how come he ended up with such a high level recommendation
A-he had faith in Jesus absolutely
Q-how did he get to this faith level?
A-lk 7;3,rom 10;17.
Faith cometh by hearing- first step. There are soils conducive for faith to grow on, mt 13;4,5,7,8. acts10;1-2,4, lk7;4,5.
Faith comes by revelation of the wordhow do we receive revelations, (i) hearing-lk 7;3
(ii) inner processes (josh 1;8, col 3;16) -His word
-spiritual dynamics of authority
-Jesus is able
-no need of contact
-distance is no barrier
ALL WE NEED IS THE WORD if the authority is there!
Q-is the authority there?
Q which scriptures assures us of our authority?
Q D o we have a revelation of this authority?
Who are you?
What do you have?
Where art thou?
God sees our faith in our words. Lk 7:9, Mt 8:10
His faith produced Lk 7:10, Mt 8:13

M.V: Mt 8:9a For I am a man under authority

ABRAHAM : The Father of Faith

Study 2
Theme :FAITH
Text: Hebrew 11: 8-19

Essential issues in faith with Abraham as reference point
Abraham went out not knowing where he was going.

• He lived by faith not eight – vs 8 (uncertainty element)
• He knew Gods voice –relationship (new birth)
• He obeyed without questioning – obedience goes with action. Gen 12 : 4
• He continued in faith till the end – vs 9

Explain sojourned – with Isaac, Jacob (transfer of vision or promise – even when he had not received the promise.

Faith pictures – vs 10
• The faithfulness of the “promiser” vs 11 (Heb 10 :23)
• The test of faith at a point ones faith will be tested. Vs 17, 19 Gen 22:1

When tested in faith, do the following:
1. Consider Gods ability not your inability
2. trust in God absolutely – focus on the promise Josh 1:8
• Faith produces/delivers Gen 22 : 19
• Your confession must agree with your faith Gen 22 : 5 – 8
• Don’t give up – Heb 10 : 23 – 39

M.V Romans 4:3 For the scriptures tell us “Abraham believed God” and God counted him as righteous because of his faith. (NLT)

BIBLE STUDY OUTLINE oct-dec 2008.

STUDY 1.

THEME; FAITH
TOPIC; INTRODUCTION – WHAT FAITH IS/WHAT FAITH IS NOT
TEXT ; Heb11:1-6

Introduction; This quater, we are believing God to teach us all we need to know about living faith that produces results.
Definition & Meaning: What Faith is.
Vine Dic: Firm persuation, a conviction based upon hearing. Rom 10:17. the word is used of
(a)trust Rom 3:25, 1Cor2:5 (b)trustworthiness Mt.23:23, Rom 3:3 (c)assurance, faithfulness.
A firm conviction producing a full acknowledgement of God’s revelation or truth
II Thess 2:11-12 and a conduct inspired by such surrender- II Cor 5:7

What faith is not:
• Presumtion (2 Peter 2:10) where presumtion is belief based on resonable evidence or excessive boldness or forwardness.
• Faith is not denying the obvious.Num13:30, 14:6-9
• Faith is not praying without believing. Mt. 21:22, Acts 12:15-16, Lk. 1:20
• Faith is not making a vow. I am 1:11
• Faith is not other people’s experience- David. I Sam17:34-37, 39
• Faith is not static-grows Rom 1:17,Lk17:5, IIThess 1:3
• Faith is not stubbornness of heart/empty boast. I Sam 4:3-5, 10-11

Memory Verse: Heb 11:1- Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

BUT WITHOUT FAITH....... ....... Hebrews 11:6

The first humans failed their test of faith. They trusted what they "saw" rather than believing what God said—His words—and became the first example of man choosing to walk by sight rather than by faith. Humanity has followed this example ever since, proving that Adam and Eve's faithlessness was not an aberration but a trait of every human heart, including ours.

What were the consequences of this sin, this act of faithlessness? The answer is in Genesis 3:24: "So He drove out the man; and He placed cherubim at the east of the garden of Eden, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to guard the way to the tree of life."

Adam and Eve's sin of faithlessness destroyed the close relationship they had with God. Because they did not trust Him, their lack of faith put a barrier between themselves and God. The broken trust, faithlessness, ruined that relationship just as it does in our human relationships.

Adam and Eve chose to follow the faithless Satan rather than the faithful God. Satan persuaded them to focus on what they could see rather than what God said. The strategy was so successful that Satan has consistently used it on humanity.

Satan is the prime example of faithlessness. Satan believes God exists, but his is a dead faith because it does not lead to right action. James 2:19-20, from the New Living Translation, forcefully points out the futility and foolishness of Satan's faith: "Do you still think it's enough just to believe that there is one God? Well, even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror! Fool! When will you ever learn that faith that does not result in good deeds is useless?"

God, in this verse, sets out the two universal sides. The proud are on one side. Their deeds are not upright. On the other side are the just, those who live by faith. In a way, He is asking Habakkuk—and us, "Which side are you on? Can I count you among the proud, who will be destroyed, or the just, the faithful, who will be rewarded? Choose your side."

This verse is quoted three times in the New Testament, all by the apostle Paul. In Romans 1:16-17, he shows that the gospel Christ brought reveals God's righteousness, the way we are to live, which is by faith in Jesus Christ. Thus, he writes, "The just shall live by faith." It is a common misconception that the gospel is merely the announcement of the Kingdom of God. But it is much more than that: It is the instruction of God on how we are to live. It is the faith we must live. We are to live the gospel, the way Christ revealed in His life and teaching. We can live confidently according to God's Word because we trust God—we have faith in Him and His revelation.

A second quotation of this verse is Galatians 3:11, a usage slightly different: as a proof that God does not justify us by the law but by faith. To paraphrase, he says that God has granted us eternal life because of our faith in Christ not by our adherence to the law. The apostle makes this verse say, "The just shall have eternal life by faith, or because of faith"—our faith in Christ, and so we will live.

Finally, Paul quotes this verse in Hebrews 10:38-39: "Now the just shall live by faith; but if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him. But we are not of those who draw back to perdition [or to destruction], but of those who believe to the saving of the soul." Paul uses the quotation from Habakkuk much like Habakkuk himself does, showing the two sides of the issue: the just on the one hand, who go forward to reward, and on the other side the proud, those who draw back and are destroyed. If we desire to enter into His Kingdom and live eternally, we must believe God and live our lives accordingly. The proud draw back from God, and they receive destruction. If we live by faith, we go forward to perfection (Hebrews 6:1-2) and thus to salvation, not to destruction. Paul says in II Corinthians 5:7, "We walk by faith, not by sight." The lesson is, whatever the circumstances, we must obey God and let the chips fall where they may. We must always be faithful to be counted among the just.

FINISHING STRONG

by Dr.Daniel.

Text: Zech 4:1-9
In the world of sports we can describe “finishing” in three ways.
a- beating your opponent to submmission e.g in boxing and wrestling
b- scoring more points than your opponent e.g in football, basketball etc.
c- Reaching the finishing line earlier than your opponent e.g athletic.
Finishing strong therefore means doing all of the above and ending on a strong note.
We shall look at 4 sceneries in scriptures to add to our understanding of finishing strong this year.
1. Matt 4:11 → Here, we see Jesus in the wilderness of life. Satan was throwing poisonous arrows into his heart but Jesus defeated the enemy by throwing back the right word for the hour.In this season, God will give you the right word to go through this year. YOU ARE TOO MUCH FOR THE DEVIL!!!
2. II Cor 4:7-18, II Tim 4:7→ As you go on in this year, there might be trouble but there is a word of assurance-BE OF GOOD CHEER, I HAVE OVERCOME THE WORLD
3. Luke 13:31-32→ Someone is going to reach his goal this year. Tell the devil it is my turn
4. Jer 18:1-7→ God is bringing out the best in someone this year, there is a glorious end for someone this year. We are going through a process because something better is coming out fo our lives.
5. Exo 17:11-12→ Men will surround you and assist you to lift up your hand of victory this year
6. Gen 26:22 → You will enjoy plenty in the midst of famine this year.
7. I Sam 17:50→ Sombody’s Goliath will fall down this year. The victory stones have been given to you.
8. I Sam 12:3-4→ Finishing strong on the note of integrity as Samuel did.
9. I Cor 15:54→ We are going to defeat death this year in the name of Jesus.

How do you finish strong
1. Willing to pay the cost,→ Luke 14:28-30
2. Keep the end in view →Act 20:24, Heb 12:2
3. Perseverance→ not giving up, be focused, forgetting the past.
4. Keep moving and encouraging yourself all the way
5. Waiting on the Lord →in prayer, fasting, renewing your dreams etc
6. High praise→ Psa 149:6-8, Heb 3:17

YOU WILL GET THERE......................... Shalom

THE SEVEN PRINCIPLES OF AN EAGLE

by-Myles Munroe.

1. Eagles fly alone at a high altitude and not with sparrows or mix with other smaller birds. Birds of a feather flock together. No other bird goes to the height of the eagle. Eagles fly with eagles. Never in a flock. Even when Moses (Old Testament Bible) went to commune with God on the mountain, he left the crowd at the foothills. Stay away from sparrows and ravens. Eagles fly with eagles.

2. Eagles have strong vision, which focuses up to 5 kilometers from the air. When an eagle sites prey- even a rodent from this distance, he narrows his focus on it and sets out to get it. No matter the obstacle, the eagle will not move his focus from the prey until he grabs it. Have a vision and remain focused no matter what the obstacle and you will succeed.

3. Eagles do not eat dead things. He feeds on fresh prey. Vultures eat dead animals but not eagles. Steer clear of outdated and old information. Do your research well always.

4. The Eagle is the only bird that loves the storm. When clouds gather, the eagles get excited. The eagle uses the wings of the storm to rise and is pushed up higher. Once it finds the wing of the storm, the eagle stops flapping and uses the pressure of the raging storm to soar the clouds and glide. This gives the eagle an opportunity to rest its wings. In the meantime all the other birds hide in the leaves and branches of the trees. We can use the storms of our lives (obstacles, trouble, etc) to rise to greater heights. Achievers relish challenges and use them profitably.

5. The Eagle tests before it trusts. When a female eagle meets a male and they want to mate, she flies down to earth with the male pursing her and she picks a twig. She flies back into the air with the male pursuing her.

Once she has reached a height high enough for her, she lets the twig fall to the ground and watches it as it falls. The male chases after the twig. The faster it falls, the faster he chases until he reaches it and has to catch it before it falls to the ground, then bring it back to the female eagle. The female eagle grabs the twig and flies to a much higher altitude pursued by the male until she perceives it high enough, and then drops the twig for the male to chase.

This goes on for hours, with the height increasing until the female eagle is assured that the male eagle has mastered the art of picking the twig which shows commitment, then and only then, will she allow him to mate with her! Whether in private life or in business, one should test commitment of people intended for partnership.

6. Eagles prepare for training. When about to lay eggs, the female and male eagle identify a place very high on a cliff where no predators can reach; the male flies to earth and picks thorns and lays them on the crevice of the cliff, then flies to earth again to collect twigs which he lays in the intended nest. He flies back to earth picks thorns and lays them on top of the twigs. He flies back to earth and picks soft grass to cover the thorns, and then flies back to pick rugs to put on the grass.

When this first layering is complete the male eagle runs back to earth and picks more thorns, lays them on the nest; runs back to get grass and rugs and lays them on top of the thorns, then plucks his feathers to complete the nest. The thorns on the outside of the nest protect it from possible intruders. Both male and female eagles participate in raising the eagle family. She lays the eggs and protects them; he builds the nest and hunts. During the time of training the young ones to fly, the mother eagle throws the eaglets out of the nest and because they are scared, they jump into the nest again.
Next, she throws them out and then takes off the soft layers of the nest, leaving the thorns bare. When the scared eaglets jump into the nest again, they are pricked by thorns. Shrieking and bleeding they jump out again this time wondering why the mother and father who love them so much are torturing them. Next, mother eagle pushes them off the cliff into the air.


As they shriek in fear, father eagle flies out and picks them up on his back before they fall, and brings them back to the cliff. This goes on for sometime until they start flapping their wings. They get excited at this newfound knowledge that they can fly and not fall at such a fast rate.

The father and mother eagle supports them with their wings.
The preparation of the nest teaches us to prepare for changes;

The preparation for the family teaches us that active participation of both partners leads to success; the being pricked by the thorns tells us that sometimes being too comfortable where we are may result into our not experiencing life, not progressing and not learning at all. The thorns of life come to teach us that we need to grow, get out of the nest and love on. We may not know it but the seemingly comfortable and safe haven may have thorns; The people who love us do not let us languish in sloth but push us hard to grow and prosper. Even in their seemingly bad actions they have good intentions for us.

7. When the Eagle grows old, his feathers become weak and cannot take him as fast as he should. When he feels weak and about to die, he retires to a place far away in the rocks. While there, he plucks out every feather on his body until he is completely bare. He stays in this hiding place until he has grown new feathers, then he can come out. We occasionally need to shed off old habits & items that burden us without adding to our lives...

”As an eagle stirreth up her nest, fluttereth over her young, spreadeth abroad her wings, taketh them, beareth them on her wings:” -Deuteronomy 32:11
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